Once - The Musical Review

A slightly different review this time, but it had such an impact on me so I had to review it and give it some more recognition. I went to see the musical 'Once', at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End last night and it's now up there with my favourite musicals!

It's an adaptation of the Irish independent, low budget film 'Once', which was released in 2007, written and directed by John Carney. I had enjoyed seeing the film a while ago so I knew a few of the songs already but I definitely found the broadway version much more resonating. This was because of the fact that the music is live and you are able to appreciate their talent much more in the flesh. It is set in Dublin, Ireland (I always love an Irish play/film, the whole culture does it for me!) and is about a man who lives and breathes music. However, he works in a hoover repair shop helping his father and it starts out with him busking, not earning much and singing in his despaired state of mind. He is just about to give up hope when a Czech girl notices him and changes his life around by making him more determined to pursue music and giving him faith that he is good enough to get a record deal.

The music is like no other musical as it isn't happy clappy with choreographed dance routines (don't get me wrong, I love that type of musical too) but it's music that people can really relate to and understand the positions that the character's are in. The soundtrack could easily be mistaken for an indie/folk acoustic album for people not familiar with it, and can be listened to at any time along with the rest of your music library. The acoustic guitar and piano are a combination which I always feels works so well, especially in the way they are played here with the Irish influence.

David Hunter, playing 'Guy'

I was already won over when the main character Guy started talking with his Irish accent and lingo, that was before he had even started singing! But the song 'Leave' at the start of the play exposes the audience to the heart felt and love driven theme that runs through out the music. David Hunter matched the character perfectly and not to mention his flawless voice which did Glen Hansard, who played Guy in the film justice to say the least! Along with the super talented musicians playing every instrument under the sun, (mandolin, piano, violin, cello, guitar, bass you name it!) and also the well timed comedic elements, it is the perfect recipe for a good theatre experience.

The voice's of David Hunter and Jill Winternitz (who plays Girl) blend and compliment each other with the angelic harmonies and honest emotion. My favourite songs are 'When Your Mind's Made Up', 'Falling Slowly', and 'Gold' (the acapella version especially gave me goosebumps). After falling in love with Guy, I'm now trying to accept the fact that he isn't real and isn't singing those songs about me!

Hannah Jolley

You can buy tickets to see Once here